This story was written by Robert Meese, Advanced Technician: Construction (Longbridge Construction Centre).
This is Tyler (left) and Josh (right), students from our Longbridge campus who represented South & City College Birmingham in the recent Guild of Bricklayers competition at Stoke-on-Trent College back in spring. Numerous colleges were in attendance from all over the Midlands – that means competition is growing bigger every year, with bricklayers from the Welsh borders to Corby, down to Milton Keynes and over to Hereford.
Tyler is studying a 2 year course in Brickwork, coming to the end of his 1st year and starting his 2nd year from this September. Josh is a level 2 student coming to the end of his 2 year course. Previously, Josh was a multi-skill student undertaking skills in Brickwork, Plumbing, Carpentry and Painting & Decorating – he chose Brickwork for his further study. Both students are being taught by former student, now teacher, Mark Lines.
It was a very early start for both students, being picked up at 7am on the dot. Josh was entered into the Senior competition and Tyler into the Junior competition. Josh had 6 hours to complete his model and Tyler had 5 hours to complete his job. Each Senior and Junior section had about 10 entrants from different colleges
Once the competition started there was no involvement from staff. The students were left to understand the drawing of the build models on their own. Both students worked very hard to complete their models, only stopping for a half hour lunch break. Now, that’s determination!
They were up against strong opposition, in some cases competitors that had already worked on site gaining valuable trade knowledge and skills.
So how did our amazing competitors do?
- Tyler got a Recommendation in the Junior section!
- Josh came away with a 3rd place in the Senior section!
A big well done both of you, from South & City College Birmingham! Tyler and Josh have done us proud and gotten some invaluable work experience along the way.
Want to build your skills while you build Birmingham’s buildings? Study a Construction course at South & City College Birmingham